This course introduces key concepts in scheduling and cost control and demonstrates how building information modeling (BIM) tools can be used to support better decision-making and coordination across project teams.

You’ll start by learning the fundamentals of scheduling, including activity sequencing, critical path method (CPM), and how scheduling integrates with cost planning. From there, you’ll create 4D simulations in Navisworks and use Forma for Construction (previously Autodesk Construction Cloud) to manage construction schedules in real time. You’ll gain experience working with Gantt charts, task assignments, and progress updates in a collaborative platform.

In the final stage of the course, you’ll explore cost control. You’ll learn how to set up project budgets, track committed costs, and forecast financial outcomes based on live project data. These skills will help you manage risk, maintain budget visibility, and support efficient project delivery through integrated schedule and cost workflows.

After completing this course, you'll be able to:

Explain core concepts in construction scheduling and cost control.
Describe how BIM tools support time and cost management.
Create 4D construction simulations using Navisworks.
Link model elements to schedule tasks in TimeLiner.
View and manage project schedules using Forma for Construction.
Track task progress and share schedule updates with project teams.
Set up and manage budgets in Cost Management.
Forecast project costs and monitor financial performance.

Other courses that cover topics such as preconstruction management, construction estimating, construction management, and construction safety can be found at the Construction Management for Education collection.

Update for courses covering Autodesk Construction Cloud

Autodesk Construction Cloud is now part of Autodesk Forma.

You may notice that platform and product names in our products have changed to the new Forma brand. Please note that platform and product names in this course may not yet be updated, but the functionality of the products and tools remains the same, and the workflows described in these pages are still applicable.

The following terms referred to throughout these videos and documents are updated to a new Forma brand name:

Autodesk Construction Cloud → Forma for Construction (for education)
Autodesk Docs → Forma Data Management
Autodesk Build → Forma Build
Autodesk Takeoff → Forma Takeoff (now appears under Preconstruction in the product picker)

Create a federated model in Navisworks

Video quiz

What is the main purpose of creating a federated model in Navisworks?